[NAGDU] Anxiety Issues

[S L Johnson]

Joe:

I had one of my previous dogs a golden who became nervous on the bus.  Taffy 
developed anxiety on buses after we were in a bus accident.  She would pant 
and shake while we were riding on the bus but would get off the bus with 
tail wagging and guide perfectly.  I found that by going further back in the 
bus where she could curl up under the seat was better for her.  I think the 
Rescue Remedy might help.  You should call your guide dog school to see if 
the trainers have any suggestions about the bus anxiety and slippery floors. 
I have had dogs with trouble on slippery floors but keeping their nails cut 
very short seemed to solve the problem.  You could try lots of praise once 
he does start walking on the floor.  Treats might help too.  I am surprised 
they did notice this when they trained him unless this is a new issue with 
him.  Have you had him checked out by a vet?  My last dog Tara began to have 
trouble on slippery floors after the first year we worked together.  A vet 
exam diagnosed hip dysplasia.  The vet told me that the pain and stiffness 
caused her to be more unsteady especially on slippery floors.  He said when 
she would slip with her back feet it caused pain in her hips.  Once we were 
treating for the pain and stiffness her walking on those slippery floors got 
better.  Good luck to you and your dog.

Sandra Johnson and Eva

-----Original Message----- 
From: Joe Orozco via NAGDU
Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2017 10:51 AM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: Joe Orozco
Subject: [NAGDU] Anxiety Issues

Hello,

I have a couple issues going on with my shepherd I hope you guys can
provide feedback, both demonstrations of anxiety:

First, on my commute to and from work, Matthew becomes restless. It's
grown in intensity to the point now where he sits up, lays down, and
trembles for the 1.5 hour-long bus ride. I've tried massaging his back
and shoulders, rubbing his ears, speaking softly, etc. I have not yet
tried treats, but I may consider this if that is what it takes. The
bus can become crowded. There is not a whole lot of foot space, and I
feel as though part of the issue could be his feeling stifled. Every
so often, once we hit open road, I allow him to stretch out into the
aisle, but even then he will want to sit up, throw a paw over my knee
and start panting, whining very low in his throat.

The second issue is tile floors. Though not consistent, there are
often times walking through lobbies and cafeterias where he will
either walk extremely slow and gingerly, or he will freeze for a
moment before lunging forward and skitter across the tile. I have to
let him carefully work it out. I understand lifting him off the ground
wont' solve anything, though I feel bad watching him spin his wheels
so to speak. His nails are not long. I have tried outfitting his nails
with tile grips, though he tends to lose these. I'm next going to try
to become more serious and consistent about clicker training, but if
anyone has other ideas on how to reduce this psychological block with
smooth floors, I would be very appreciative. He is three years old
and, to my knowledge, does not exhibit any physical medical problems
that could stimulate this behavior.

His guide work in general is adequate. Outside I have issues with him
not always walking as fast as I would like, but on carpet and
concrete, he is generally a good guide dog. He is a very quiet
shepherd, very sweet and loyal. Yet I confess these increasing bouts
of anxiety are becoming an issue.

Thanks in advance for any tips and/or suggestions.

Kind regards,

Joe

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